Reflective Blues & Jazz Revue …

Boz Scaggs (1969): Loan Me a Dime

As I’ve previously mentioned, this month marks the 1st anniversary of TheBluesBlogger site. This time last year, because of the circumstances surrounding my own health, I needed an outlet for my creativity that I had bottled up for many years…The persona of TheBluesBlogger became that means and slowly I have written articles that represent some of my most precious moments of my past musical recollections. Most of my posts discuss particular albums, but on this piece, I was haunted by a specific song.

I’m sure all of you had the experience when a song, for some reason or another manages to get into your head, and will continue to play on for days… I recall my brother practicing his guitar to the tune Loan Me a Dime in the middle of the night. Some of the tastiest licks I have ever heard him play along to…Then I finally realized why the significance of the song played through my reflective mind… As so much has changed in the world around us in 40 years, many things in life still do come full circle.

Back in 1969
my father suffered a heart attack that essentially changed the setting in our household. Life got a whole lot more serious and it was the music that my brother played in the early mornings that stuck in my mind; capturing my youthful imagination. My brother had his own way of dealing with the situation and I recall his playing taking a poignant spin into a more expressive and melodic tone. It always was, and I guess it always will be, the music that gets many of us through the difficult times we face in our lives.

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Boz Scaggs
was born Royce Scaggs, June 8, 1944, in Ohio. Scaggs moved to Plano, Texas at an early age. His interest in music was sparked by his childhood friendship with Steve Miller. They were budding young artists that both attended St. Mark’s Preparatory School in Dallas. It was Miller who taught Scaggs the fundamentals of guitar playing and gave him the encouragement to sing.

In the early 1960s Scaggs and Miller formed the Marksmen Combo and honed their skills by playing local venues. Several years later, they both headed north to attend the University of Wisconsin in Madison; mostly due to its proximity to Chicago’s flourishing blues culture. In Madison they met another developing musician, Ben Sidran and together performed as the Ardells.

After a brief stint in Europe, Scaggs established a home base in Stockholm Sweden, where he released an album for Karusell Records. The release in 1965 was a collection of folk songs that had some success, but was relatively obscure in the United States.

Boz received an urgent message from Miller who moved to San Francisco and had formed The Steve Miller Blues Band. Miller had been offered a contract with a major record label and wanted his old friend to share in his achievement… Scaggs would record two albums with Miller, Children of the Future and Sailor. But his restless nature would drive him to strike out on his own once more.

His Self Titled Debut

entitled Boz Scaggs in 1969 was produced by Rolling Stone editor Jann Wenner. The signature song, the 12 minute Fenton Robinson composition Loan Me A Dime, featured some serious guitar work by none other than Duane Allman, who was unknown at the time. The album established Scaggs as a gifted songwriter and musician. It was called,

Despite some great critical reviews, it was not a commercial success. However Boz’s album and Duane Allman’s extraordinary guitar work obviously made quite an impression on a number of people… Including a 9 year old boy, who on his top bunk bed was serenaded by the sweet soulful bluesy early morning sounds.

Although Boz Scaggs is perhaps best known for his creative soul music during the 1970s, on albums such as Slow Dancer and Silk Degrees, this versatile performer has recorded many other styles of music as well, ranging from rhythm and blues and folk to urban pop… But it’s his version of the song Loan Me a Dime that will forever remind me of a time that through great personal change, soothed me during a difficult time. Even after nearly 40 years I still find this tune as powerful to me as it was back then…

Yes there was the law suit between Fenton and Boz… I’ve heard Robinson’s original version, and it’s excellent. So good, that it obviously influenced Boz. But that is not the subject of this post. It’s Boz’s timeless cover of the song with the unforgettable Duane Allman and a moment that I have personally captured while strolling through time.

33 Responses to “Boz Scaggs (1969): Loan Me a Dime”

Good post BB. I knew Fenton pretty well and have met and played a couple of times with Boz over the years. The bs of the label putting Boz as writer still bugs him but I think he really had no control. As you suggest it’s a great arrangement and performance-the whole album to me is a high water in Boz’s career.

Congratulations on your anniversary. Thanks so much for sharing this. I haven’t heard it in years. Brings back good memories for me also. Hope you don’t mind–I am adding you as friend and faving your blog. .

Thanks Tricia… I don’t mind at all. I’m flattered to be included as one of your friends and that you will also add me as one of your favs … Glad you enjoyed the post. Feel free to stop by and say hello anytime.

The first time I heard this song I was totally blown away by Duane Allman guitar work–IMO one of the greatest solos ever recorded. As I recall this song was voted number 1 in SF as the song to take to a desert island. I can sing every guitar lick as I’ve listened to this so many times. It took me around the US in my van many times. thanks for your memories.

Goose bumps once again. I never have enough of brother Duane–so brilliant. I was lucky enough to see the Allman Joys play surf movies in Cocoa beach Fla. in the early 60′s. Listening to this has made my hair grow two inches..lol- Actually I’m growing it long again in protest at what they’ve done to our earth.

Great, great article. I hope you’re looking at doing a book. And yes, this brings back memories. Madison WI as a matter of fact. Listening to this brings back the beauty of that place. It’s an amazingly great recording too. I’m playing it on my computer and it sounds like I’m sitting next to them playing.

I would like to say thank you very much for sharing this blog with me, and I Love the song. I totally get what you mean about a song sticking in your head!! I have found in my own life , when tragedies strike that music seems to soothe and heal my soul. I wish “everyone” loved music like yourself and could express themselves so openly as yourself. I admire and respect you for that in a big way!!!!!!! Peace Glenys

Duane has never to this day gotten the credit he deserves. Simply gut wrenching guitar work. Better than Clapton (who by the way is one of my old time favorites) Hendrix, SRV, the list goes on. The best all around guitar of all time. My spelling was pretty bad in the first message, have not had my espresso yet.

I’m wondering if you know where I can get an out-of-print copy of the first Boz album ( first that I know of, anyway) . My copy is almost unplayable. It has Monkey Time, Midnight Invitation, and the amazing Flames Of Love as part of the play list………

I got this album as soon as it came out as I knew of Duane Allman as a session man already at the time, and also it listed Tray Nelson among others as a backup singer…so I knew it was something special, I wasn’t disappointed the entire album is magic and true Country Blues at it’s best..!

I can’t tell you growing up how many times I jammed along with this great cut to learn what Duane was doing great phrasing terrific solo throughout but the entire album is the best and influenced by the sound The Band had introduced to rock as were many albums of the day..

My brother used to play LMAD every morning before going to school back in 72. I finally “got hooked” and became a Duane disciple. A St Louis DJ used to play LMAD every Friday night around 10:45pm on KSHE FM and I used to get my friends together at that time so they could hear that soulful singing and that burning passion guitar.m (My way of spreading the Gospel) Nice to know others caught the bug.

Excellent posting here!
I am also one of the faithful followers of LMAD having ‘discovered’ it in the 70′s. I heard a live version on the local public radio station and called to find out if I could get a recording of this tune. I was told that it was on a DJ only release and it was not ever offered for sale. It is not the live version on the recent recordings from Boz Scaggs, but a much earlier version. Can anyone shed some light on where I can get a copy?

Hi BB, great post. Yesterday Boz wrapped up his set at the Santa Cruz blues festival with LMAD. It was magical.
For some wacky reason the song is not listed as one of his hits on Wikipedia. Go figure!
WP does indicate you can get the song on Duane Allman Anthology, Dr. Mojo…available at Amazon today.

As someone who grew up in Atlanta during the time the Almond Brothers would come from Macon to play in Piedmont Park for free I really appreciate not only the guitar playing but the arrangement Boz put together on this song. Absolutely one of my favorites.

Boz Scaggs version of Loan Me A Dime is one of the few songs that absolutely puts me in the clouds. The arrangement of the song is superb. It starts sooo slow and smooth then builds and builds, all the while you can’t imagine how it could get any better, yet it does. At the end, just like great sex, I’m exhausted with contentment and bliss. What talent these guys have. I’m very grateful to Fenton and Boz for creating one of the finer things in life.

First time I heard this song it was during a recorded interview with Boz. He related that Duane could not or would not turn it down, so the producer or sound engineer put Duane and his amp behind the closed doors of a bathroom. Assuming the story is true, Allman’s guitar stands out above all other instruments on this recording date. I have purchased this album 3 times then finally found a CD. Thanks BB for bringing this song new life.

I cannot believe it took so long for me to lay my ears on this marvelous piece of music. This type of music is seldom available over the airwaves in the UK where originate. Today I live near Chicago and spend most of my listening time during working hours clued to WDRV (The Drive) stream and today I was so fortunate because I got to hear this great piece of blues music. I immediately started a search for Boz and came across this site, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I have learned that you are never to old to find great music.

1971 I was student at Kent State. Bar on Water Street played this song as “last call” every night. Some nights I’d make sure I was there at 2:15am to hear this great blues song before heading to my apt

A day before Xmas eve ’69 I drank myself into blackout trying to deal w the blues of girlfriend leaving me.

As I started to wake hours later I realized the stereo was on and I was hearing the intro to Loan Me a Dime. I couldn’t believe how this song related to me…and then continued to become more and more intense.

I recall the DJ commenting after the fade of Duane playing that he had never seen the telephone switchboard light up with so many callers all wanting to know what the song and who the artist was.

As soon as the stores opened the next morn, I purchased the album. This became the start of a lifelong love and appreciation for the talent of, IMHO, the finest guitarist in the world since he walked into Muscle Shoals.

I never saw my girl friend again.

Thank you BB and also your friends for the opportunity to remember and chat about Skydog.

I grew up in Berkeley in the 60′s and 70′s. Boz Scaggs performed twice at the recently renovated Paramont Theater in Oakland. The first performance supported the release of Slow Dancer. The second supported Silk Degrees. I think both performances were on New Years and both were black tie optional. I went to both and remember the performances as remarkable. Boz was supported by a full orchestra and the audiences came dressed to the T’s.

The ’74 performance included a fantastic rendition of “Loan me a Dime” and “Dynaflo”. But the number that really shook the house was “I’ve got your Number”. What an evening …. the whole theater was on their feet.

I think Boz is play Austin in April. Who knows …. maybe I’ll make the trip. But in my memory those two concerts were his best.

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The music seen and heard on this site are meant to enhance the enjoyment of the articles and the reader's overall experience. My intention is to honor the artists that have inspired me by weaving my personal experiences together with my love of their music... If you like the music you hear, I urge you to support them by attending their performances and/or purchasing their music. If you hold the copyright and would like me to remove your song or picture then please contact me. I will do so immediately upon request.